Skip to Main Content

Events for November 7, 2025

First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday. 

Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!

Captain Cookie & the Milkman in Transfer Co. Food Hall
500 E Davie St - Moore Square District
First Friday at Captain Cookie & the Milkman
6pm - 10pm

We're staying open late! Captain Cookie is extending hours to 10 PM to join the festivities at @transfercofoodhall. Enjoy art, live music, and, of course, our super-powered cookies. First Friday just got sweeter!

Curate Raleigh
15 W Hargett St - Fayetteville Street District
November First Friday at Curate
6pm - 9pm

Join us Friday November 7th for a truly charming, cozy event! Busy Vintage will have a charm bar set up with lots of vintage and cozy themed charms to help you create a one-of-a-kind wearable piece of art, just for you! Enjoy a snack on us and shop our 40+ vendors while your creation is being made. Many of our neighboring shops will be open late and lots of other First Friday events will be happening all around downtown. Come cozy up with us and celebrate local art!

The Davie
444 S Blount St - Moore Square District
First Friday Live Music: Michael Parker
8pm - 11pm

Kick off your weekend with live music this Friday at The Davie!
Join us for an unforgettable night as the incredible Michael Parker takes the stage, blending soulful melodies with crowd-favorite hits. Grab your favorite drink, relax, and let the good vibes roll!

Designed For Joy
517 W Cabarrus St - Warehouse District District
Make & Take a Raleigh Acorn Bell at Designed For Joy

Celebrate Raleigh's First Friday with a unique make-and-take event! Drop-in anytime between 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Designed For Joy studio in downtown Raleigh to create your very own Raleigh Acorn Bell—a charming keepsake that symbolizes our "City of Oaks."

Le Dive
14 W Martin St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday Flashes at Le Dive with Old Ghosts Tattoo
5pm - 10pm

Join Le Dive and Old Ghosts Tattoo for a unique experience every First Friday in Raleigh! Le Dive, teams up with Old Ghosts Tattoo for an exciting night of flash tattoos, good vibes, drinks and food and creative energy!

Leela Improv Theatre
309 N Boylan Ave - Glenwood South District
First Friday Improv Jam & Open Mic
7pm - 9pm

Create and connect with your creative community! Join us for an evening fun and creativity at Leela Improv Theatre at 309 N. Boylan Avenue in Raleigh.

Start your month with laughter, creativity, and community!

Leela’s First Friday Improv Jam & Open Mic is a one-of-a-kind night where everyone is invited to play, perform, and share. Whether you’re an improvisor, musician, poet, comedian, or just someone who loves to cheer others on, this evening is all about connection, fun, and creative expression.

What to Expect:

Improv Jam – Jump on stage and play improv games with new friends. No experience necessary—everyone is welcome.
Open Mic – Share a song, poem, stand-up bit, or any short performance piece in a supportive, welcoming space.
Dry Event – This is a dry improv jam—a fun, creative night without alcohol. Let's let improv be the mind-altering substance to help us let loose and have fun. We'll celebrate with optional drinks AFTER the jam at a local Glenwood South bar.

Celebrate the power of play, try something new, and connect with Raleigh’s vibrant creative community!

When: First Friday of each month

Where: Leela Improv Theatre, Raleigh

Who: Open to all – performers, audience, and community members alike

Schedule:

7:00 PM - Sign up for the Community Jam & Open Mic, Mix & Mingle

7:30 PM - Community Jam & Open Mic begins

Midwood Smokehouse
409 W Johnson St - Glenwood South District
Mandala Sky
5pm - 11pm

Check out Mandala Sky, a 25-foot overhead sculpture in Smoky Hollow, made up of more than 400 crocheted mandalas. This colorful and whimsical community art project, sponsored by the Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative and the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, was created by 30 artists and assemblers, working throughout the summer of 2025. It got off the ground -- literally -- just in time for First Friday in October, and will stay afloat throughout the fall. You can view some individual mandalas close up -- and even get one of your own by donating to the GSNC.

Moore Square
200 S Blount St - Moore Square District
First Friday Market & Movie Night at Moore Square
5pm - 9pm

Join us for this Free family night out in Downtown Raleigh. Bring a blanket or chair to relax on the lawn for the movie, grab a bite from the food trucks and explore the market!

This outdoor movie night will feature:
🔸FREE outdoor movie: The Princess Diaries (2001)
🔸Food trucks
🔸Local vendors' market
🔸Free field games for all ages

Event Info:
🔹Market & Food Trucks: 5 - 9 pm
🔹Live Music: 5:30 pm
🔹Free Movie on the Lawn: 6:30pm

This event is presented by Get 2 Know Raleigh, the Raleigh Parks team at Moore Square. We thank our sponsor, Downtown Raleigh Alliance, for supporting this series.

Note: The lawn fills up quickly for the movie. Arrive early to secure your spot!

Stay updated: Follow us @get2knowraleigh on FB and IG and subscribe to our newsletter.

Origami Styling
111 E Hargett St - Moore Square District
Vintage + Art
5pm - 8pm

Join us for a special after-hours shopping and art experience at your favorite vintage spot! We’re teaming up with a talented local artist - Gracie Diver - to bring you an evening full of style, creativity, and community. As always, enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks, chill vibes and one-of-a-kind pieces all night long.
@origami_styling
November 7 5p-8p